An element is a pure chemical substance consisting of one type of atom, distinguished by its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus.
Step 2: Analyze Each Option
Glucose: A compound made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Water: A compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.
Carbon: An element with atomic number 6.
Salt: Typically refers to sodium chloride, a compound made of sodium and chlorine.
Step 3: Determine Which Option is an Element
Based on the definition, carbon is the only option that is an element, as it consists of only one type of atom.